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NW Minn. Church Denies Confirmation to Same-Sex Marriage Supporter

BARNESVILLE, Minn. (AP) - The family of a teenager who posted his support for same-sex marriage online says the boy has been denied a Catholic rite of passage at his church in northwestern Minnesota.

Shana Cihak says her 17-year-old son, Lennon, wasn't allowed to be confirmed at Assumption Church in Barnesville after posting a Facebook picture of himself with a political sign he altered to oppose the marriage amendment on Minnesota's ballot Nov. 6. The constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage was rejected by voters.

Assumption Rev. Gary LaMoine says the teen was not denied confirmation, but declined to explain, saying it's an "internal and pastoral" matter. LaMoine says he's in consultation with the Catholic Diocese in Crookston.

Shana Cihak tells The Forum (http://tinyurl.com/bkqjleu ) she was confirmed at the same church, but doesn't plan to return to Assumption.